An Article by D. M. (936 words, 5 min. read)
Beirut’s art scene recently witnessed an extraordinary event: Phases of A Mutation, a retrospective exhibition by the renowned artist and architect Rached Bohsali, curated by Dr. Tony Karam at Rebirth Beirut. More than just a showcase of Bohsali’s work, this exhibition was a profound exploration of transformation, tracing his artistic evolution from hyperrealist symbolism to abstraction, from structured compositions to the fluidity of spontaneous expression.
The event, that took place in the beautiful space of Rebirth Beirut, a venue that consistently supports art for a greater cause, fostering creativity as a force for positive change, gathered an elite audience of artists, curators, gallerists, collectors, and art lovers, all captivated by Bohsali’s ability to capture the shifting realities of our time. With extensive media coverage from the press and cultural platforms, the exhibition became the talk of the town, further reaffirming Beirut’s dynamic and ever-evolving art scene.
A Journey Through Bohsali’s Phases of Mutation
Bohsali’s early works demonstrated a masterful command of realism, particularly in watercolor landscapes and still lifes. His award-winning piece Eco-Logic marked a turning point in his career, shifting his focus from pure aesthetics to a symbolic and conceptual depth that infused his art with layers of meaning. For nearly two decades, his still lifes served as visual narratives of socio-political struggles, turning his canvases into silent witnesses of a world in flux.
However, as time progressed, so did his artistic approach. The burden of political turmoil, war, and personal challenges led to a breakthrough—an embrace of abstraction as a form of artistic and emotional resistance. His recent works abandon rigid structure in favor of instinct, spontaneity, and material experimentation, resulting in dynamic compositions that evoke both turmoil and hope.
One of the exhibition’s most striking pieces was inspired by marbles and stones; simple, nostalgic childhood toys that, in Bohsali’s hands, became symbols of innocence lost. “Aren’t we now the marbles and the stones that we used to play with?” he asks, drawing a powerful parallel between past and present, between the games of youth and the unpredictable forces shaping our lives.
Another standout theme was Euphoric Hallucinations, where Bohsali’s shift to geometric abstraction and assemblage revealed an artist redefining his language. This transition, influenced by art therapy and personal introspection, was not just stylistic but deeply emotional—a symbolic mutation, a rebirth through art. His use of the assemblage technique, with its layering and interplay of objects, allowed him to reconstruct meaning, creating a tactile and multidimensional reflection of resilience.
Bohsali’s ability to deconstruct and reconstruct meaning is what makes his work resonate beyond its visual appeal. His art is not about capturing reality but breaking it apart and reshaping it into something new. Each piece stands as a testament to change, a reflection of an artist in constant motion.
Also, among the exhibition’s most symbolic works, Rijal Al-Riq draws a striking parallel between the riq, an Arabic tambourine, and the Lebanese people. Just as the instrument must be shaken and struck to produce rhythm, the people have endured war, poverty, and hardship, yet continue to move forward with grace and resilience.
Despite the struggles, both the instrument and the people retain their elegance and optimism. It is a testament to a nation that, no matter how many times it is shaken, never loses its rhythm or its smile
The Lecture: Art, Architecture, and the Philosophy of Change
A week after the exhibition’s opening, on March 6, Rached Bohsali participated in a thought-provoking lecture alongside architect Karim Nader, where they explored the themes of multiplicity and transformation in an artist’s career.
Karim Nader’s intervention was particularly focused on the concept of multiplicity, demonstrating how an architect can also be a philosopher. Quoting thinkers like Jorge Luis Borges and Alain Robbe-Grillet, he approached the idea of change in an artist’s life through a philosophical lens, arguing that transformation is not just a stylistic evolution but a conceptual and existential necessity. Beyond philosophy, Nader also examined the works of various artists who embody mutation and multiplicity, showing how artistic identity can shift while still retaining an intrinsic essence.
In contrast, Bohsali’s intervention was more academic, grounding his discussion in concrete artistic examples. He explored phases of mutation in great artists, from Picasso to his own mentor, Rafic Charaf, the great Lebanese master, illustrating how external and internal forces shape an artist’s journey.
The lecture evolved into a dynamic and engaging debate, where both perspectives complemented each other. The audience participated vividly, engaging in an intellectual exchange thanks to the depth and expertise of these two masters.
A Resounding Success for Beirut’s Art Scene
With Phases of A Mutation, Rached Bohsali once again demonstrated that art is not merely a reflection of reality but an active force in its transformation. The exhibition was not just an artistic milestone but also the highlight of the city, with strong sales and widespread acclaim. The event’s media coverage further cemented its impact, bringing Bohsali’s artistic journey to a broader audience.
It was yet another visionary success for curator Dr. Tony Karam, whose ability to bring together exceptional talents and create meaningful artistic conversations continues to redefine Beirut’s cultural landscape. By gathering some of the most influential figures in the art world, this event reaffirmed Beirut’s role as a thriving cultural hub and underscored the enduring power of art in times of change.
As Bohsali himself puts it: “As the world changes, we must change with it.” Through his work, he invites us to witness not just an evolution in form, but a profound redefinition of artistic purpose.
